TOLEDO, Ohio — Mental health is something that's being talked about more, but not often does the conversation happen at a hockey game.
The Toledo Walleye hosted a mental health night at the Huntington Center Friday. Former Walleye Defenseman Simon Denis says he has experience with anxiety, making him want to share his story Friday night.
"I have a chance now, a platform, where I can come out and speak and people will listen, and it's something that I feel even if it helps one person or it can help a number of people, it's just something that's really important to do," Denis said.
Even though Denis says he was a little nervous doing it, he thinks it's important.
"It's got to be something that you're not afraid to talk about and not afraid to seek help," he said. "That's something I've done and I'm thankful for the help I have sought and it helped me tremendously."
One of those he reached out to was Ruth Ann Tetz, the team's psychologist. She also works with all University of Toledo teams.
Tetz's been working with the Walleye since 2015, when former coach Derek Lalonde brought her in.
"At the time that he asked me to do this, there were no other sports psychologist working with hockey teams," she said. "I think hockey was probably the last batch to realize the value of have a sports phycologist on staff."
Denis says he's glad this is offered for his former teammates.
"The higher levels up in the NHL and whatnot but to have it at the EHL level the double A level it's not as common," Denis so it's special that Toledo takes care of that and really believes in it."
Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County was a partner for the mental health night and gave out resource information to people.
Denis says he hopes people who need help, find help.
"Every one's going through something, and you never really understand it until you get the chance to talk about it, whether it's myself or someone else that can be there for you," Denis said. "Don't be afraid to reach out, it's truly going to help in the end."
This is the first pre-game talk the Walleye have held. They plan to continue different topics through the Mud Hens season. Hoping to talk about mental health yearly.